Slate s reputation for durability is accurate to a point but even the highest quality slate fails eventually and must be replaced.
How to tell if a slate roof needs replacing.
Slate roofing is rarely subject to an entire roof replacement.
A slate roof can cost from 12 to 40 per square foot.
A guide to diy roof inspection 14 signs you need a new roof.
A slate roof can generally last at least 80 to 100 years with many lasting much more than that.
After 45 75 years.
Extensive rust damage can indicate roof replacement as well as holes tears and cracks.
The type of slate the quality of the slate roof pitch and weather conditions are some factors that can affect how long a slate roof will last.
The entire roof is sagging.
As a homeowner of an old or aging house you are probably wondering how to tell if you need a new roof.
However as slate is a natural resource and is very heavy the high costs and environmental impact of slate mean that you may prefer to use a different material.
You likely also want to know when your roof needs to be replaced and how often your roof should be replaced.
It s important to check your roof at least twice a year to look for any signs of damage.
There are a number of factors that will extend or limit the lifespan of a slate roof.
Check the surface for signs of trapped moisture rotting boards or sagging spots especially.
Small leaks can be patched but larger ones structural damage and the age factor might make it wise and cost efficient to replace your roof sooner rather than later.
When to replace a slate roof.
Even a slate roof that has been meticulously maintained will need to be replaced during someone s ownership.
When 20 to 30 of the slates on a roof need replacement it is usually more prudent to replace the entire roof than to perform expensive annual repairs.
Jenkins warns the worst thing uninformed roofers do is tell homeowners their slate roof needs replacing when it really doesn t.
How to tell when to replace a slate roof.
That way you ll be able to make the necessary repairs or replace your roof if needs be.
A droopy sagging roof is one that surely needs replacing before further damage occurs to your home.
An annual inspection is prudent as repairing small defects such as broken tiles or loose fastenings will ensure a long lasting roof.